Today we’d like to introduce you to Ms. Donshay.
Hi Ms. Donshay, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Melanated Audacity started with a sugar cleanse. Literally. I was on Day 6 of absolutely no sugar and dealing with headaches and sugar withdrawals. On this day, I woke up with the most intense amount of focus. I took my to-do list and completed half of the tasks within two hours. I had never felt so focused and energized. It was amazing.
After lunch, I sat down to write my first blog post and somehow wrote a short book. My first book is entitled “WM Audacity.” I wrote the entire book and published it on Amazon within 48 hours. After sharing that accomplishment in my Spelman Mom group (A Supportive Facebook group for Alumnae of Spelman College), I received so much encouragement and support. The feedback on my book was very positive.
Ladies in my group began contacting me with inquiries about my services. Since there was so much interest, I set up a Fiverr page. My Spelman Sisters encouraged (and fussed at) me to get paid to do what I love. It was nothing fancy. I offered some administrative services and resume review. Again, all the feedback and support I received for my Fiverr page was encouraging. I felt inspired and confident to take a leap of faith.
I read my book and took my own advice – Melanated Audacity was born.
I set up the website and stayed 100% authentic in my content. It turns out that people enjoy me for my authentic self. That was such a boost to my confidence. I have never looked back. My ONLY complaint is that I did not start sooner.
My business has been booked close to capacity since I opened last year. 95% of my clients are referrals, which is very humbling.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Working for myself has been as smooth as I allow it to be. It turns out I am my own worst enemy. Even though I had received so much support and encouragement, I still suffered from imposter syndrome with my first clients. I felt as though I had bit off more than I could chew. After four months of consistent clients, I realized I knew what I was talking about, and my confidence grew. In all transparency, I am still balancing a thin line between humility and imposter syndrome.
When I announced my business and began to share my website with friends and family, not a single soul was surprised. The most common response was, “I’ve been waiting for you to start your own business. Now, how do I send you referrals?” Once I got out of my own way, I was able to thrive!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Melanated Audacity provides personal and business support virtually. I’m happy to assist with anything that can be handled online. If there is anything that I am not 100% passionate about doing, I am excited to provide you with top-notch referrals that can assist you with these actions. I’m a one-stop shop!
As a personal assistant, I am happy to assist with calendar management, internet research, and completing to-do lists. My clients meet with me and share everything they have going on. Most of my clients have NEVERENDING things-to-do lists and need assistance completing these tasks. If there are some tasks that I cannot complete (due to location), I am happy to vet and locate local resources to assist with handling these tasks. I can help with appointments, travel research, event planning…you name it!
On the business side, I enjoy customer service, problem-solving, and administrative tasks. I LOVE to assist customers, especially on behalf of small businesses. It is such an opportunity to be personable and passionate. I enjoy finding ways to make every business thrive. My goal is always to increase efficiency and leave everyone I encounter with a smile on their face.
I can create and edit forms, handle data entry, assist with cloud organization, and more. So many people have Google Drive, and OneDrive accounts with “dump” folders. I love to take the time to organize these. It allows them to find and save files easier. I’m great at problem-solving and even better at finding opportunities to improve.
My Discovery Call with my clients is a no-judgment zone. Melanated Audacity is a safe space for women to be 100% authentic. I encourage my clients to use our meeting time to eat or nurse if they need. There is no expectation to dress formally or speak formally. If I am going to be a great assistant to you, then I need to know the real you so that I can provide the best support. Although we are all different and beautifully unique, there are some things that black women just understand about each other. IYKYK. I want to peek behind the curtain and help you get organized so that you can continue to present your professional face to the world.
I’m incredibly PROUD to be a Virtual Assistant who intentionally supports black women. I believe that everyone can benefit from some form of virtual assistance, but I decided to be intentional in supporting black women. Why? Because I am one. Black women raised me, and I have seen black women work 10x harder than others with little to no help. Again, not to take away from any other demographic, but my focus is on Black Women.
Being intentional towards Black Women has set me apart. I have not seen any other Virtual Assistant that caters to Black Women. I’m sure there are some, but I haven’t seen them. There are so many badass Black Women assistants, but I haven’t seen anyone identify themselves as “The Black Women’s Virtual Assistant” other than myself. It is a badge that I wear with honor (and display in my logo).
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am an introvert with social anxiety in my personal life. In my business, I am an extrovert that can take charge and always has input on topics.
Since I am known for being very professional, my confidence in displaying my authentic self is unexpected.
I make jokes. I send memes. I share in your accomplishments and frustrations. I can codeswitch between being a homegirl that provides laughs and encouragement and jumping into a professional support system that can produce excellent results.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melanatedaudacity.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatedaudacityva/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelanatedAudacity
